Category Archives: Obituaries

Funeral services for Blossom Michelle Cook, 56, Ideal, were held Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Ideal Community Hall. Burial followed in the Ideal Episcopal Cemetery.

She passed away on Friday Dec. 13, 2024 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls SD.

Blossom was born in Rosebud, SD to Charlotte Rebecca Cook & Drury Cook Sr. on Aug. 22, 1968. She attended school in Ideal, SD and finished her schooling at the Todd County High School. She enjoyed playing softball in her earlier years and later enjoyed watching her nephews play baseball/softball. She enjoyed family get togethers, watching horseshoe games and spending time with her many grandchildren.

Blossom is survived by her significant other of 21 years Rodney Foote, her three children Richard Foote, Elaine Aeschbacher (Samuel Aeschbacher), Tamera Foote, her 5 brothers Charlie & Larry Long Crow, Amos, Delano, & Drury Cook Jr & her sister Leona Foote (Dewey Foote).

Blossom is preceded in death by her grandparents Amos & Jeanette Cook, Simon & Gladys Thunder, her parents Drury Cook Sr. & Charlotte Thunder Cook. Brothers Wayne, Mark Long Crow, Harold Cook & Richard Cook. Sisters Tammy, Enola and Gwen Cook.

Mass of Christian burial for Betty Johnson was held on Wednesday Dec. 18, 2024 at 9 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, South Dakota. Burial will follow in the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD at 3:30CT where she will join her late husband, Dale, who passed away in 2001.

Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson (Lloyd) was born on Sept. 26, 1925, at White Lake, South Dakota the daughter of Walter and Amelia Lloyd and passed away Dec. 7, 2024, in Orlando, Florida at the age of 99.

Betty is survived by her daughters Linda (Paul) Anderson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Lois Rogers, Orlando, Florida and son Wayne (Elaine) Johnson, Virginia Beach, Virginia; six grandchildren Linda – Karla and Wade, Lois – Sara and Kati, Wayne – Jennifer and Kimberly and eleven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dale Johnson, her parents, three sisters and one grandson.

Betty was well known as a Winner school teacher for over 40 years.  She loved her American History classes teaching the history to the students and She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, baking.   She was active in her Church and Lifetime member of the VFW auxiliary.

She had a deep love for God, family and Country.

She will be deeply missed

Enid Lorraine Worth was born Oct. 27, 1931, in rural Keya Paha County to Frank “Casey” and Alice (Hastings) Graham. Enid was born at her Grandpa and Grandma Hastings’ home in rural Keya Paha County. Enid was the first of four children. Enid attended rural school until her seventh-grade year when the school district combined with the Springview Grade School. While attending the rural school, Enid and her sister Aliene would have to walk a mile and a half one way or ride their horse Darkie. Enid told lots of stories about Darkie! Darkie would look for any excuse to run away with them. If a prairie chicken flew up in front of him, or if a passing trucks horn honked, Darkie would take off running. Aliene would usually slide off the back and continue to walk while Enid got Darkie stopped. Then Enid would go back and get Aliene to finish their ride to school.

After graduating eighth grade, Enid attended Keya Paha County High School and graduated with the class of 1950. While in high school, Enid was in Pep Club and participated in all activities. She loved to sing and was in choir and all small singing groups. Enid loved school and never wanted to miss a single day. After graduation, Enid worked in Springview for the local County Attorney, T.G. Weddel for two years.  During this time, she began dating local young man Meredith Duane Worth. Enid and Meredith were married in Ainsworth, Neb. on May 18, 1952. To this union two children were born: son, Ronald Scott, and daughter, Lorraine Alice. At the time of Meredith’s death on May 2, 2023, they had been married for 70 years, 11 months, and two days. Enid never called her husband “Punk” like most people. She always called him by his given name of Meredith, unless he was in trouble, and then she would call him “Meredith D.!”

In May 1962 Meredith and Enid purchased the Charlie Simons Ranch by Norden, Neb. They resided there for their entire lives until Meredith’s passing in 2023, and until Enid went to Rock County Long Term Care on Jan. 10, 2024. Enid loved being a homemaker and working beside her husband. Meredith and Enid worked together and played together, and they seldom were apart. Enid loved taking care of her family, and she loved fiercely. She kept a beautiful home, and she was an amazing seamstress. She also loved to knit and crochet. Enid was a fabulous cook and baker and made the best homemade bread. Ron’s favorite was her fried chicken which she brought to the hayfield with us many times. Enid loved working outside with her husband and kids. She was the greatest multi-tasker of all time. She could help feed the livestock, milk the cows, farrow out baby pigs, and do whatever needed done outside, while at the same time having laundry going and something good in the oven. She walked faster than anyone and it was hard to keep up!

Enid was a staunch patriot. She loved our country and was a devoted member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #98. She was the Unit President for many years. She was very community-minded and volunteered often. Enid ran for and won the election for Keya Paha County Treasurer in 1986. She held that position from January 1987 until January 1999. After twelve years in office, she made the decision not to run for re-election. She was a devoted Grandmother to Troy, Mitch and Brittany and she loved having them on weekends and summers. Her joy exploded as each great grandchild joined our family.

Music was a huge part of Enid’s life. She loved playing the piano and the accordion. When she met Meredith, she knew she had met her perfect, lifetime dance partner. They were famous for their love of dancing as they glided across many dance floors throughout their lifetime. After Meredith’s death, all Enid wanted to do was to go be with him. We can all have comfort knowing that Enid and Meredith are “Together Again,” dancing in heaven with all the many friends and family who have went before them.

Enid was preceded in death by her husband Meredith “Punk” Worth; parents Franklin “Casey” Graham and Alice Graham; sister Avis (Graham) and husband Bill Hollopeter; brother Gerry Graham; parents-in-law Elwood Worth and Frances Worth Dixon; step-father-in-law Arnold Dixon; sister-in-law Carole (Worth) Cullison, and her husband Gene Cullison; brother-in-law Bobby Gene Worth; nephew Robert Gene Cullison; and great-granddaughter Violet Grace Olson.

 Enid is survived by her son Ron, daughter Lorraine, both of Springview; sister Aliene (Graham) Clark, Casper, Wyoming; sister-in-law Stella Graham of Ainsworth; brother-in-law Malvern “Corky” (Janet) Worth, of Springview; grandchildren Troy (Angie) Worth, of Imperial, Mitch Worth of Springview, Brittany (Chad) Olson of Valentine; great-grandchildren Hayden, Hadley, Henley, Parker and Kwynn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at the Keya Paha High School in Springview with Pastor Gary Graesser officiating at the service. 

Memorials were suggested to Springview, Springview Fire and Rescue Department, American Legion Auxiliary Post #98, or to the donor’s choice in Enid’s name.  Interment was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Springview under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com

Kelly Hodge, 69, of Hamill, SD passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 at his home. 

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation was held one hour prior to funeral service.

Kelly James Hodge was born on Jan. 30, 1955, in Winner, SD, to Marilyn (Audiss) and Leroy Hodge. He was the oldest of four children, having three sisters: Debbie, Becky, and Lana.

After graduating from Winner High School, Kelly attended college at SDSU in Brookings, SD, and returned home to the family farm in Hamill, SD.

On Aug. 10, 1985, Kelly married Marsha (Morganfield Swedlund) and gained two sons, Tresh and Tory. To this union, one daughter, Ashley, was born.

Along with spending his entire life on the family farm, later in life he found joy and purpose in  being a rural mail carrier.

Kelly was a deacon at the Hamill Presbyterian Church, where he was also the treasurer for many years. He loved music, and would sing for church events, weddings, and part of various ensembles. The most notable and long-lasting ensemble he was a part of was the A’Cafellas Barbershop Chorus in Winner, SD. He loved getting new people involved and maintaining the relationships with long-standing members.

One of the hobbies that he enjoyed was hunting. He hosted pheasant hunters for many years, but he most enjoyed his few duck hunting trips to Arkansas.  He said there was nothing like hunting ducks in the flooded woods of Arkansas, so peaceful and quiet. Some of the relationships he developed over the years created hunting friends that truly felt like family.

Over the past 20 or so years, Kelly got to hone his skills in his most rewarding job, that of “Grampa” or “Boppa”. Grampa always had the best lap for snuggles and book reading, he always gave the most memorable tractor rides, and was always willing to go outside and play. Grampa always carried the right kind of Mentos in his pocket, had steady encouraging words, and gave the best kind of hugs that made you feel loved.

If you knew Kelly, you knew that ice cream was his thing. He dished the best scoops, was usually up for an ice cream treat, and could always make room for “just a little bit more.”

Kelly is survived by his wife, Marsha, three children: Tresh (Sara) Swedlund, of Witten, SD; Tory Swedlund, of Edmond, OK; and Ashley (Jed) Riggle, of Lincoln, NE; and grandchildren: Bella, Olivia, Savanna, Lela, Jaxon, Dacey, Ozzie, Samuel, Claire, and Ruby. He is also survived by his mother, Marilyn, and three sisters, Debbie (Maurice) Hinman, Becky Meyers, and Lana Hodge.

Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Leroy.

Norman Watson, 90, of Ideal, South Dakota passed away on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Funeral service was held on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. 

 Burial followed in the Czech Bohemian Cemetery south of Gregory, SD at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 6.

Norman Everett Watson was born on Feb. 14, 1934, in Omaha, NE to Lily (Miller) and Joseph Watson.  He had (3) siblings, Delores, Marvin and Skip.

Norman lived a full and vibrant life, proudly serving his country as a signalman in the US Navy upon the USS Grapple and the USS Lipan during the years of 1952 to 1956.  Norman had been deployed to Hawaii and Guam.  After leaving the Navy, Norman moved to Evergreen, Colo., where he served as a volunteer firefighter and was co-owner of Evergreen Appliance and Electric.  After relocating to Omaha, Norman committed the rest of his professional career to working as an electrician and proudly being a member of the I.B.E.W. He spent a significant portion of this time as an electrician at Offutt Air Force Base and the Strategic Air Command in Bellevue, NE.

On Dec. 8th, 1989, Norman married Linda, his beloved wife of 35 years. Together, they shared many wonderful memories with their blended family.  Norman enjoyed spending time with the family in South Dakota, Omaha, NE and the Kansas City area.

Norman is survived by his wife Linda, children: Liz Watke (Tom), Mike Watson (Julie), Mary Montague (Kyle), Jennifer Arn (Gary), Christine Oliver, Shelley Oliver, and Donald Paxton (Erin). He was also a cherished grandfather to a multitude of grandchildren.

Preceding Norman in death; parents Joseph and Lily Watson, son Norman Watson Jr., brother Skip Watson and first wife Irene Watson.

Norman had a zest for life and loved to enjoy a Golden Cadillac while dining with friends.  In his quiet way, Norman conveyed countless stories of his past and experience to anyone with an open ear.  His warmth, kindness, and love for his family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services for Tim Miller, 64, Winner, formerly of Kennebec, were held Dec. 7 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kennebec. Burial was in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Kennebec.

Tim Miller was born July 9, 1960, to Donald and Carmen (Craig) Miller, in Mitchell SD. Tim attended Kennebec elementary and Jr. High, and graduated  from Lyman High School in 1978. He enjoyed wrestling and football. During his high school years he worked summers at Dean’s Market, in Murdo SD. After graduating high school he worked for his parents at Don’s Market in Kennebec.

On April 12,1985 Tim was united in marriage to Annette Condon, in Pierre, SD. To this union two children were born: Travis Richard and Beth Elaine. They made their home in Kennebec, where Tim continued working at Don’s Market and Annette teaching school at Lyman School District. In 1989 they moved to Olympia, Wash. Tim went to work for a wholesale grocery chain, and later was employed by United Van Lines. Later he moved to Rapid City and worked in Williston, ND. at the Bakken Oil Basin.

In 2019 he returned to Kennebec and drove truck during harvest for Mike Arnoldy, and helped his brother at BJ’s. In December 2020 Rod Bowar offered Tim a job as an independent  contractor for KTC Chamberlain Napa Store, where he was currently working.

In his spare time Tim enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, and keeping up with family and friends. He loved his little dog Romeo, who was always by his side. Tim was a kind and caring person, who was always willing to help anyone in need.

Tim is survived by his mother Carmen, fiancée Laurie Anderson, son Travis (Chelci) of Chicago, IL; daughter Beth of Des Moines, WA; five grandchildren- Jaydon, Rhett, Addyson, Benjamin, and William; His brothers John (Fe) Reliance, SD.; Brian (Debbie) Kennebec, SD.; Three sisters Susan Moen (Tom) Rapid City, SD; Kate Halverson (Doug) Kennebec, SD.,; Joan Hills (Steve) Kennebec, SD.; Ex wife Brenda and son Ryan, Auburn, WA. and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald, the mother his children, Annette, nephew Jack Miller, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral services for Karen Geaghan, 75, Gregory, will be held Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Karen (Veskrna) Geaghan was born July 19, 1949 in Gregory, SD to James (Van) and Delores (Scholz) Veskrna.  She was the second child of four children.

Karen grew up by Carlock and enjoyed going to the Carlock grocery store.  She spent a lot of time in Mills with her grandma and grandpa and enjoyed swimming in the Spring Creek with her aunts and uncles.

Karen attended school in Gregory and graduated in 1967.  Gregory was her home for her whole life.

She married Michael Geaghan in June of 1967 after he returned from Vietnam and they had two children:  Bryan and Lisa.

Karen worked some years in the dry goods at Buche’s in Gregory and enjoyed the fabric department as she sewed a lot of clothes for herself and Lisa.

Mike and Karen were members of the West River and Missouri Valley dance clubs in previous years and she loved dancing.

Karen went into the Gregory nursing home in June of 2024 and had a lot of friends that she enjoyed spending time with.

Karen passed away on Nov. 27, 2024 from a massive heart attack that was caused by her having diabetes for 61 years.

Karen is survived by her children Bryan and wife Nancy (Titus) of Burke, SD, and Lisa Bruns and her husband David of Huron, SD;  her four grandchildren Jacob (Dainelle) Bruns of Burke, SD, Jessica (Chayce) Lewis of Huron, SD, Savannah Geaghan of Wayne, NE and Cecily Geaghan of Worthington, MN;  and two great-grandchildren Alayna and Westyn Lewis of Huron, SD.  She is also survived by her mother Delores Jerred of Gregory, SD; her sister Mary and brother Don both of Gregory, SD;  special aunt Vernell Andrews from Aztec, NM;  along with many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Mike, her father James, and her brother Ron, along with many other special relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Dale Waters, 91, were held Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. at the Carter Gospel Fellowship. Burial will be in the Winner Cemetery. There was a prayer service Friday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home.

Dale Lavern Waters, 91, of Carter, SD was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Nov. 22, 2024.

Dale was born on March 3, 1933 to Walter and Rose (Hansen) Waters in rural Winner and was their only child. In 1940, the family moved to the farmstead by Carter, SD. He attended grade school at Carter, high school in Winner and 3 years at Brookings where he was also in ROTC.

On June 28, 1953 he married the love of his life Betty Bice. They were blessed to spend 70 years together and to this union 9 children were born. After he finished his third year of college at Brookings he was needed back on the family farm where he returned to help farm and raise cattle alongside his father. Long after retirement age, Dale would push mow the lawn, hand dig post holes and string barbed wire to repair the fences. Dale and Betty lived on the home place for almost 65 years. In 2018, they moved into assisted living in Winner for health reasons.
 Early on in their marriage Dale and Betty attended a church service and came to the realization that they were sinners in need of a savior. They both accepted the free gift of salvation and asked Jesus into their hearts. They were very instrumental in helping to get Carter Gospel Fellowship Church started. Dale was on the church board and was the adult Sunday School teacher along with being the Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He helped start the Gideon camp in Winner and had a lifetime membership. He traveled to area churches many Sunday mornings and shared about the work that the Gideons were doing to spread the word of God. Dale supported the work that Steer Inc. does and was the area director for them.

Dale had a strong work ethic and served his community in many ways. He was on the school boards of Winner, Sunshine Bible Academy and Carter Christian school. He spent many years helping to develop and establish the Tripp County Water User District and was appointed the first chairman in the early 1970’s. He served as secretary and was the district’s state director representative for 18 of the 48 years.

Dale could be quite a tease at times. He loved to remind Betty about the note she left in his car, prior to him leaving on a date with another young woman, stating,” Dale you can do better than that!” On occasion he would pretend to fall asleep at the wheel while headed towards Carter Dam and to the relief of whoever the passenger was, would miraculously wake up just in time to avoid an unplanned swim. He also enjoyed sending his children down the long driveway to retrieve the mail on holidays.

While faith and family were the most important to him, Dale had hobbies and other interests that he enjoyed in his spare time. He was an avid collector of stamps, coins, rocks, arrowheads, rattlesnake rattles and skins, and baseball caps. He enjoyed sports and along with participating in the Winner bowling league and the occasional round of golf, he coached the Carter Coyote grade school basketball team and was a dedicated Vikings and Twins fan.

He was a faithful servant and his was a life well lived!

Blessed to have shared his life are his sons Steve(Marlajean)Waters of Carter, Doug (Kristine)Waters, of Carter, Tim (Judy)Waters of Pierre, Dale (Natasha)Waters Jr. of Park City, KS; daughters Robyn (Tom)Carlson of Biwabik, MN, Kaye (Roland)Gylfe of Beresford, Nicole (Rich)Tims, Shell Lake, WI, daughter-in-law Mary Waters of Idaho Falls,ID; bonus daughter for 8 years Sharon Essert; 29 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Vesta (Vernie)Frank, Debbie (Lennie)Steffen, Betty Bice and Marilyn Bice; brothers-in-law Don (Ardy)Bice, Jon (Karen)Bice, Greg (Sis)Bice; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his wife Betty, sons David and Michael, parents, mother and father-in-law Melvin and Roberta (Hampson)Bice, infant grandson Travis Waters, infant granddaughters Emily and Erin Waters, step granddaughters Julie Jorgenson, Rebecca Barrera, great granddaughter Eden Jacobson, sister-in-law Patty, brothers -in-law Richard and Archie.

Funeral services for Irene (Jerke) Anderson, 95, were held Nov. 18 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Hot Springs.

Burial was at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.

She was born Dec. 23, 1928, in Menno. Anderson grew up south of Carter and graduated from Witten High School.

For over 20 years she lived in Kansas City, Mo.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie; grandchildren Elizabeth and Alex; brother, Clarence and eight nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert.

A proud South Dakotan, Irene loved to learn about South Dakota history. She was an accomplished seamstress, hobby gardener and baker.

Funeral services for Michael L. “Mike” Reuman, 63, of Kennebec, SD will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kennebec with burial in the Kennebec Cemetery at Kennebec, SD.  Visitation will begin Friday at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. scripture service at St. Michael’s Church in Kennebec, SD. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be established in the Lyman County area.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Michael Lon Reuman; our beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and dedicated farmer, who died peacefully at the age of 63 on Nov. 23, 2024 at the Sanford Chamberlain Hospital/Care Center.

Born on March 27, 1961, in Mitchell, SD, Mike entered into the world to his proud parents, Nola and Paul (Cork) Reuman.  From a young age, Mike showed a deep love for farming.  He told his mom that he was going to follow in his dad’s footsteps if he could find them!  Mike spent hours and hours learning the rhythms of farming from his parents, grandparents and neighbors, and later built his own legacy as a hard-working, hands-on farmer.  Farming was more than just a livelihood; it was his passion and he poured his heart and soul into his land for many years.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Volmer, on Feb. 15, 1985.  Together they shared just shy of 40 years of love and adventure together.  To this union, two sons were born; Drew Michael and Reed Todd.  Mike adored his sons and took great pride in teaching them about the importance of hard work.  Although tough on them at times, he always found a way to make sure they were taken care of in any way that he could.

He also enjoyed sharing his hobbies with his boys.  Riding motorcycle, riding snow mobile, dirt-biking, and hunting were his favorite past-times with his family and friends.  Doing these activities was living for Mike. He spent many years riding out in the Black Hills with his loved ones, and found great joy in attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every year.  He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and spread his love for his team to his family.  Sundays were some of his favorite days to have family over to bet on the games and see how the season would turn out for not only his team, but the teams that his closest family members enjoyed, too.

Unfortunately, on May 31, 2016, Mike’s life was turned upside down when he found himself completely paralyzed after he ran into a sink hole on his dirt-bike checking his fields.  He spent the first five months after his accident in Sioux Falls, SD, and Lincoln, NE, at the best rehabilitation facilities in America trying to get his feet back under him from his injury, Central Cord Syndrome.  His main goal when he was discharged was to be able to walk and drive tractor and combine again.  With hard work and determination, he did just that; in fact, Mike continued to farm alongside his son Drew as his condition would allow up until the end of fall harvest of 2023.

Following his accident, Mike also became a grandpa to five beautiful grandchildren; Dutch, Brooks, Kirbi, Kinsley and Clyde.  These five blessings were the apples of his eye; he loved spending time with them. They brought him so much happiness and made the tough days better.

Alongside Mike’s love for his family and the outdoors, Mike was a friend to many.  He would lend a hand to a neighbor in a heartbeat and would share a word of advice to those that needed it the most.  His sense of humor, hearty storytelling, and ability to make others laugh while playing a game of pitch or watching a favorite sitcom made him a joy to be around.  Mike’s easygoing nature and grin will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; children Drew (Brittany) Reuman and Reed (Courtney) Reuman; grandchildren Dutch, Brooks, Kirbi, Kinsley, and Clyde; Brother, Craig (Jody) Reuman, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Nola Reuman, and in-laws, Delmer and Delores Volmer.

Special thanks to the medical teams at Sanford and Avera in Sioux Falls, Madonna Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln, NE, and Omaha, NE, Sanford Chamberlain Clinic, Hospital, Care Center and Therapies.  We are forever grateful to your commitment to Mike’s journey the past 8 years.

Don’t count the years…make the years count.